UFC 305 Recap: Du Plessis Retains Middleweight Title with Stunning Submission Victory

UFC 305 delivered a night full of electrifying action and memorable moments, headlined by the main event where Dricus Du Plessis successfully defended his UFC Middleweight World Championship against former titleholder Israel Adesanya. The event, held at the sold-out RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, left fans on the edge of their seats as six of the twelve bouts ended in stoppages, including three knockouts and three submissions.

In the highly anticipated main event, Du Plessis faced off against Adesanya in a contest that lived up to the hype. The first three rounds saw both fighters engage in a tactical battle, with Adesanya showcasing his striking skills and seeming to gain momentum. However, the tide turned dramatically in the fourth round. Du Plessis launched a fierce offensive, landing a series of powerful punches that sent Adesanya to the canvas. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Du Plessis quickly secured a rear-naked choke, forcing Adesanya to tap out at the 3:38 mark. This victory marked Du Plessis’ first successful title defense since capturing the belt earlier this year.

The win not only extended Du Plessis’ unbeaten streak to ten fights but also solidified his reputation as a dominant force in the middleweight division. Post-fight, Du Plessis expressed his respect for Adesanya, acknowledging the former champion’s contributions to the sport while also celebrating his own triumph.

Adesanya, who entered the fight determined to reclaim the title, was left to reflect on his performance. Despite showing flashes of his former brilliance, Adesanya admitted to making critical errors that cost him the fight. However, he made it clear that retirement is not in his plans, vowing to return stronger in his pursuit of UFC gold.

The co-main event featured a stunning return to form for Kai Kara-France, who delivered a first-round knockout against Steve Erceg, signaling his resurgence in the flyweight division. The lightweight bout between Dan Hooker and Mateusz Gamrot earned Fight of the Night honors, with Hooker edging out Gamrot via split decision in a grueling contest.

Other notable performances included Carlos Prates, who earned a performance bonus for his second-round knockout of Li Jingliang, and Valter Walker, who secured a first-round technical submission against Junior Tafa. The card also showcased several emerging talents, indicating a bright future for the UFC as new prospects made their mark.

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